Fetal Echo

What is Fetal Echocardiography?

Fetal echocardiography, also known as a fetal echo, is a specialized ultrasound examination that provides a detailed assessment of your unborn baby’s heart.

At KYPROS Scan Centre, fetal echocardiography is generally performed between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, when the structures of the fetal heart can be examined in detail.

The scan uses ultrasound waves to evaluate the structure, function, rhythm, and blood flow of the baby’s heart. There is no radiation involved.

Why is a Fetal Echo Done?

A routine anomaly scan examines the baby’s heart as part of the overall assessment. However, a fetal echocardiogram provides a more detailed evaluation when there is an increased risk of a heart problem or when the heart requires further assessment.

Your doctor may recommend a fetal echo if:

• A heart abnormality is suspected during a routine ultrasound or anomaly scan.
• The baby has an abnormal heart rate or rhythm.
• There is a family history of congenital heart disease.
• A previous child was born with a congenital heart defect.
• Certain fetal abnormalities or genetic/chromosomal conditions are suspected.
• The mother has certain medical conditions, such as pre-existing diabetes or some autoimmune diseases.
• The pregnancy involved exposure to certain medications associated with an increased risk of fetal heart abnormalities.
• Increased nuchal translucency or other findings indicate a need for detailed cardiac assessment.
• Your obstetrician or fetal medicine specialist recommends a detailed evaluation of the baby’s heart.

When is Fetal Echocardiography Performed?

A detailed fetal echocardiogram is usually performed between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.

In selected high-risk pregnancies, an earlier assessment of the fetal heart may be recommended. An early examination may need to be followed by a detailed fetal echocardiogram later in pregnancy.

Do I Need to Prepare for the Scan?

Usually, no special preparation is required.

You generally do not need a full bladder for a fetal echocardiogram. The examination is most commonly performed through the abdomen, similar to a routine pregnancy ultrasound.

The duration of the examination varies depending on the baby’s position, gestational age and the complexity of the assessment.

What Happens During the Examination?

You will be asked to lie comfortably on the examination couch. Ultrasound gel is applied to your abdomen, and an ultrasound probe is gently moved over the skin.

The fetal medicine specialist examines different views of your baby’s heart to assess:

• The position and structure of the heart
• The four chambers of the heart
• Major blood vessels entering and leaving the heart
• Blood flow through the heart and major vessels
• Heart rate and rhythm
• Overall cardiac function

Sometimes the baby’s position may make it difficult to obtain all the required views. In such cases, additional scanning time or a repeat examination may be recommended.

Is Fetal Echocardiography Safe?

Yes. Fetal echocardiography uses diagnostic ultrasound and does not use ionizing radiation.

The examination is non-invasive when performed through the abdomen and is generally considered safe when performed appropriately by trained medical professionals.

What Do the Results Mean?

After the examination, the findings will be explained to you.

If the fetal heart appears normal, you may not require any further cardiac assessment unless there is another clinical reason for follow-up.

If a heart abnormality or rhythm problem is suspected, your doctor may recommend:

• A follow-up fetal echocardiogram
• Additional fetal medicine assessment
• Genetic counselling or further investigations when appropriate
• Consultation with a pediatric cardiologist
• Planning the appropriate place and timing of delivery
• Planning specialist care for the baby after birth

Can a Normal Fetal Echo Detect Every Heart Problem?

No prenatal ultrasound can detect every congenital heart condition.

Some abnormalities may be very small, may develop or become apparent later in pregnancy, or may be difficult to identify before birth. Therefore, a normal fetal echocardiogram significantly reduces the likelihood of major congenital heart disease but cannot completely exclude every possible heart abnormality.

Your fetal medicine specialist will explain the findings and any limitations relevant to your pregnancy.

Why is Fetal Echocardiography Important?

The baby’s heart is one of the most important organs assessed during pregnancy. Identifying a significant heart condition before birth can help parents and the medical team prepare appropriately.

When a cardiac abnormality is detected, prenatal diagnosis can help with:

• Appropriate counselling for parents
• Monitoring the baby during pregnancy
• Planning delivery at an appropriate hospital when necessary
• Arranging pediatric cardiology or neonatal care
• Planning treatment or surgery after birth when required

Early recognition and appropriate planning can help ensure that both mother and baby receive the right specialist care.

Fetal Echocardiography at KYPROS Scan Centre

Recommended period for detailed assessment: 18–24 weeks of pregnancy.

The information on this page is intended for patient education and does not replace individualized medical advice. Your obstetrician or fetal medicine specialist will advise whether a fetal echocardiogram is appropriate for your pregnancy.